Background:
Students brainstorm questions for research. Using the 5 W's and H strategy
(Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How) encourages them to list a variety
of questions.

Procedures: Create a chart that includes
the following categories: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? Invite
students to brainstorm questions that begin with the words: Who? What?
Where? When? Why? and How? Have them read informational texts to find
answers to the questions they brainstormed.

Sample Application: Have students imagine
that they¹ve been hired as scientists to write a fact book about
how monarch parents take care of their babies. Ask students, “What
questions would a reader have about monarch parents?” Have students
work with a partner to generate a list of possible questions about this
topic. Encourage them to brainstorm a variety of questions using the 5
W’s and H strategy: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? Ask for
volunteers to share their lists. After students have shared their ideas,
ask: "How do you think these questions would help you write a fact
book about monarch parents?" Introduce the text by reading aloud
its title. Invite students to think about their brainstormed questions:
"Based on the title, which questions do you think will be answered
in this article?" Encourage students to place a star by the questions
they choose.

Variations: Revisit the brainstormed
questions to identify main ideas and details in reading selections. Invite
students to use the details that answer the questions to summarize their
discoveries.